Here's the catch: Nominees for the contest must be at least 100 years old and work 20 hours a week to qualify.
I may be going out on a limb here, but something tells me they're not going to get a whole hell of a lot of entries for this contest.
Hey, who's against older people staying active? But good God! A hundred years old and still working?
Me? I plan to retire my Wal-Mart vest at the age of 99.
Follow the jump to check out the full press release and click here to nominate your favorite centenarian employee.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2009
MEDIA CONTACT:
Linsey Carsey
For Experience Works
888.296.2411 ext. 9
[email protected]
THE SEARCH BEGINS IN MISSOURI FOR AMERICA'S OUTSTANDING OLDEST WORKER
Nominations are now being accepted in the search for America's Oldest Worker. Sponsored by nonprofit Experience Works, the nation's largest training and employment organization for older workers, the search is part of a national effort to raise awareness about the contributions older individuals make in today's workplace and to break down barriers often associated with their employment.
Nominees must be 100 years of age or older, currently employed and working at least 20 hours each week for pay. The selected honoree for 2009 will receive public recognition and travel to Washington, D.C., in September to participate in a press conference and national recognition event. Additional information, including the nomination form, is available at
www.experienceworks.org. The deadline for nominations is June 1, 2009.
"At Experience Works, we believe that people who are productive and active throughout their lives will have better health, increased longevity and a more positive impact on their communities," said Cynthia Metzler, president and CEO of Experience Works. "We also know that employers who hire, train and retain older workers will be most successful."
Last year, 100-year-old Mildred Heath of Overton, Neb., was named America's Oldest Worker. A newspaper woman since the age of 15, Heath still works at the Overton Observer, the publication she and her husband founded in 1938. She works 30 hours each week taking classified ads, filing photographs and seeking out local news.
Experience Works is a national, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of low income, older people through employment, community service, and training. In Missouri, Experience Works administers the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCEP), which is free to participants who are 55 and older and meet low income criteria. Individuals who would like more information about Experience Works job programs should visit www.experienceworks.org or call 866-397-9757.
